Minimizing Blood Loss in Total Knee Arthroplasty

A total knee arthroplasty (total knee replacement) is one of the most successful surgical procedures that can be performed and has allowed countless patients to be more active and pain free. Recent advances have allowed surgeons to perform the surgery through small, minimally invasive incisions and pain managerment protocols are utilized to minimize discomfort transforming a total knee arthroplasty into a much more pleasant experience.
Blood loss has previously been a concern and a blood transfusion had historically been expected in the post-operative period. Blood transfusions are safer today but there is still a risk of hepatitis and allergic responses which can be debilitating.
I was the first knee surgeon in the San Fernando Valley to utilize Tranexamic Acid to minimize bleeding during the surgery and eliminate the need of a blood tranfusion.
Tranexamic acid is a clot stabilizer and decreases blood loss in surgical patients. There is no increased risk of thrombophlebitis or pulmonary embolus.
I have successfully used Tranexamic acid for the past two years and NONE of my patients have required a blood transfusion.
Our patients expect this type of innovative care from myself and my colleagues at The Los Angeles Orthopaedic Institute.
We look forward to always being on the cutting edge of innovation of knee and shoulder surgery and which will maximize the outcomes for all of our patients.